Scheduling Around Your Energy

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When most people are in search of a job, choosing one based on their own energy is not typically at the forefront of their mind. But if you think about it, all people have different times of day when they are the most productive. Additionally, no matter what your natural rhythm looks like, our minds and bodies are optimized for different undertakings at different times.

If you choose a schedule based off of your personal energy cycle, you will have greater productivity and a much better chance at being happier in the long-term at work. Depending on the line of work that you do and the position that you hold within your company, there are a few ways to do this.

If you are in a traditional 9-5 position and your job consists of a multitude of tasks that need to be completed every day, (in no particular order) schedule them according to your peak energy and productivity times. What this means is: if you are someone who has a burst of energy as soon as you arrive in the morning, beginning your day with things that you know require a lot of energy, such as: calls, virtual meetings, sales pitches, and presentations is a good idea. Additionally, if there is a certain time of day that you know you are the most productive- tasks that require a lot of thinking and focus: research, writing projects, data analysis, and campaign planning are all good things to focus on during this time. On the contrary, if there is a time each day that you know you have an energy dip, tasks like responding to emails, placing orders, and checking copy for grammatical errors should be reserved for this time.

If you are in a position that offers multiple shift options per day and has more of a repetitive nature, you will benefit greatly from working a shift during the time of day when you have the most energy. Especially if your job consists of things like heavy lifting or a lot of physical movement. We’ve all heard the terms “early bird” and “night owl”, and we all know people who struggle to wake up in the morning or can’t fall asleep before a certain hour. These traits are not typically chosen, they are built-in. Therefore, it is important not to pass judgement on yourself or others for being more generative at a certain time.

The fact that we don’t all have the same energy cycles is of immense advantage to both the workforce and society as a whole. Businesses and industries operate at different times depending on need, therefore it’s crucial that there is someone to cover all shifts. So if you’re in the market for a new job, this is definitely something to take into consideration.

If you or someone you know is currently looking for a job, check out our newest opportunities here. We update every day.

How Music Boosts Productivity

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In both your personal and professional life, productivity is an important factor. When most people think of productivity, they think of commonplace productivity hacks such as limiting phone usage and having a designated time to check emails. But did you know that listening to music while you’re working can increase your productivity as well? Depending on the type of music among just a few other factors, music is something that fills ones environment with substance. When working in an office that is completely silent or working at a site where you hear nothing but machinery, it can make for a very dull day- leading to boredom, therefore decreasing productivity. Here is a list of ways listening to music can benefit you while you’re working.

“Without music, life would be a mistake.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

1. Improves Mood

Particularly when you’re listening to music you like, music releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which we all have at times when in the workplace. If the music you’re listening to is upbeat, it can also serve as a motivator on days when you’re dragging. (We all have those days).

2. Narrows Focus

Music, especially classical music, is known to help your brain both absorb information and ease your mind. When you feel less consumed with all of the information your brain tries to process daily, you can zoom in on the tasks you’re doing which allows you to produce your best work.

3. Helps with Problem Solving

Music improves cognition and enhances both memory and learning. This leads to ideas and innovative solutions to problems. It also gives you the fluidity to see problems from multiple perspectives instead of having rigid thinking.

4. Makes Tasks More Pleasurable

All of us have components of work that we are not particularly thrilled about. Depending on the position, some of us may have tasks that are repetitive and monotonous. Music will give you a rhythm to what you’re doing, making it feel faster instead of dragging. It also slightly divides your attention so you’re not solely thinking about how badly you don’t want to do a task.

5. Improves Creative Process

Music is known to promote divergent thinking. This is when you have many thoughts and ideas flowing to you at once. This is often when you come up with your best ideas because your stream of consciousness is open and you begin to make unexpected connections.

6. Blocks Out Other Distractions

If you’re listening to music while working, it will block out other sounds around you, such as: conversations of co-workers, constantly ringing phones, or people walking by. Hearing multiple noises happening all at once burns energy as your brain sees it as data that needs to be processed. Instead of involving yourself in those conversations or turning around to see what the noise is, you are honed in on what you’re doing and are able to keep at it.

7.Immersion

Because music helps you elevate your mood, it can help get you moving faster and more “in the zone”. When you feel happy, you are less likely to make errors.  Also, when you are in a good mood, you have better interactions with colleagues, clients, and customers.

 

Things to Consider:

1. Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Just like all things, music affects introverts and extroverts, as well as different personalities differently. Listening to tracks during work may not be the best option for everyone. Some introverts may do better working in silence. It is entirely dependent on the person.

2. Lyrics

Music with lyrics can be distracting, especially if you choose to listen to songs that you know all of the words to. Before you jump straight to your favorite tracks, try listening to non-lyrical or karaoke versions of the songs you like.

3. Listening Habits

If you are someone who listens to music all the time and with every task that you do, adding it to your work day will feel only natural. If you are someone who only listens to music occasionally, it may take some getting used to.

4. Difficulty of Tasks

If you are doing a task that requires all of your focus, like crunching numbers or writing documents, music is not something you will want to add to the mix. Instead, listen to it on your lunch or take a few short breaks during the day and play a few minutes of upbeat or calming music then.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. We update our job listings daily, check out our latest opportunities here.

How to Be a Game Changer in You Career

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A game changer is an individual or group of people that transforms the way things are commonly done or thought about. Game changers have the ability to influence the way other people think and act by standing out and shifting other people’s perspectives by way of their personality and their own actions.

Everyone wants to shift the paradigm, and everyone can; if they take the necessary actions to become a person of influence and take the risks needed to disrupt the way things have always been done in the past to share a way that’s even better.

Here is a list of just some of the things you can do to become a game changer in both your life and career:

1. Invest in Your Mindset Daily

Your mindset affects everything because it is what determines your actions and behaviors. When trying to make changes, setbacks are inevitably going to come up. You are also going to occasionally find yourself among people who have an entirely different outlook than you. You may even find yourself in a slump, every once in a while. Mindset is what will get you through these things. You must train your mind to have a productive mindset in any type of situation that may arise. This means that mindset work is never done. You have to have a mindset routine, even if it’s just 10 minutes per day. During this time, cleanse your mind of any unproductive information you have acquired recently and fill it with motivational thoughts. Getting into this habit will give you a reset, daily.

2. Identify the Why and the Vision

Before starting or working towards anything, it’s crucial to determine the meaning behind it and the reason it is important to you. Showing up regularly for something becomes a whole lot easier when you know you’re doing it for a purpose and you are passionate about that purpose. From there, you can identify the vision. Once you know the vision, you can begin mapping out the plan and the individual steps it will take to make it all come together.

3. Rise to the Occasion

In order to be a game changer, you need to be a leader. This means that when you are presented with opportunities that you haven’t had before, you rise to the challenge and find your own way of doing them. Game changers are innovative which means they do not shy away from things just because they are new or different. Look at it like your chance to showcase your skills and creativity. You never know what taking on the challenge will lead to if you don’t push through the barriers of fear. Take a chance on yourself.

4. Spend time Perfecting Your Craft

If you want to see above-average results, you must put in an above-average amount of time to learn something. It doesn’t have to consume all of your time, but you most definitely will need to put in the work after hours to really improve your abilities. There are many ways you can do this, some examples are: read up on the topic, practice the skills you use/need, and taking trainings & watching tutorials.

5. Eliminate Distraction

Distraction is the enemy of productivity, even the small ones. If you were to get really honest with yourself, how many things per day take up time that you could be using to complete a task related to your vision? Scrolling social media, noise that doesn’t allow you to think, people stopping by your desk, online shopping, and thinking about things you need to do at home are all distracting. If you really have the urge to be a change maker, you need to have as much focus as possible so you can check off the things that actually matter. Keep the end goal in mind.

6. Stand Firm in Your Standards

People who are seen as change makers have standards for both themselves and those around them. They are not the type to settle for average. This makes them a respected member of the team as they do quality work and are also firm in their boundaries and the expectations they have for others. People who create change don’t tiptoe around others because they want to people-please. They know it’s not about being liked, but instead being valued.

7. Be Original

You must be willing to step outside of the box. This means coming up with different or new and improved thought processes and practices. When you come up with them, don’t hesitate to share them. Everything starts out as an idea and ideas bloom when people can collaborate on them.

8. Take Risks

It’s always going to be intimidating to try something you have never done before. It’s also a bit nerve-racking when you go to present something new to a manager, client, or colleague and you don’t know how it’s going to be received. While you can’t always control whether or not something works or how others are going to react; the only thing guaranteed is if you don’t do anything- no changes will be made. People admire those who take risks, because it shows that they are not afraid of misfortune or to go back to the drawing board.

 9. Stay Informed and Keep Up with the Trends

Because we live in a digital world, things have the ability to move really fast. Just when you were getting used to a new social media platform, another one has emerged and is trending. The good news is, through smartphones and Wi-Fi it is easier than ever to stay updated on all of the industry trends that are developing around us. If you stay up-to-date with the trends, you’ll stay relevant and can use the things that are trending to leverage your personal brand. Don’t fall behind by shying away from trending topics, platforms, technology, etc.

If you or someone you know is currently in search of a new job, check out our latest job opportunities here.

Self-Study for Job Seekers

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Something that most people don’t do while in pursuit of a new career is ask themselves questions and really make it a study to learn what they want in a job. The majority of the time; people look at pay, how well a company is known, and the title/prestige of a position to determine whether or not they’re going to apply somewhere. While all of those things do need to be taken into consideration, it’s not often that people do a self-assessment to establish what’s best for them outside of those parameters.

Every person is going to need different conditions to be met in order for them to be both happy and successful. It’s often the small things that we experience every day that determine whether or not we can be truly fulfilled in a job over the long term. Whether or not we enjoy what we walk into every day affects our ability to thrive and the amount of time we stay in a position.

Here are some factors to consider to help you assess whether or not a job or company could be a good fit for you.

1. What in your last job did you like and not like?

We all need an income, that’s a given. That’s why in many cases it can be difficult not to just take the first offer that comes your way. However, if you want to sustain your happiness and continue to produce quality work after the thrill of a new position goes away; you must be sure that you’re ok with most things that come along with it. For example, if you know that you couldn’t cope with the strict dress code at your last company, working for another company with a similar policy is probably not the best option.

2. What are you interested in?

What industries and/or what type(s) of projects? While it’s not realistic for every single aspect of a job to be your favorite, there has to be some level of interest. Whether it’s the work you’ll be doing on a daily basis or the line of work you’re involved in, you’ll want to choose something that you’re either interested in learning more about or something you have already been involved in and know you enjoy.

3.What natural proficiencies do you have?

The ability to lead, write, sell, plan…Are you excellent with technology or graphic design? Even if it is something that you have never done before, don’t be intimidated to inquire and apply if you have a knack for something. This is how many people begin working their dream careers. If you write in your spare time and know you enjoy it, why not look into a copywriting or columnist position?

4. What are the key things you can bring to your workplace?

No matter what, it is crucial that you have the opportunity to showcase your abilities and use your talents in your place of work. If you list out all of the things you have brought to past work places, you will likely open yourself up to even more options by having a wider net to cast.

5. What are your top values?

Service, financial stability, free time? Knowing these things about yourself ahead of time and asking about them in the interview process will be of great benefit. If free time is important to you, having a position that requires you take calls at night after you’ve left the office or on weekends is not an option. If your top value is service, you can likely go onto the company’s website and research if there is a cause they contribute to. You could also search specifically for positions in non-profit or sustainability. Values run deep within all of us; if something is important to you, your career choice should be in line with it.

6. Is there a certain environment you know you can’t work well in?

We all thrive in different environments. If you are an extravert and prosper in an environment with a lot of people, an office position with a team of three will not be your best option. If you are an introvert and you know you need your surroundings to be quiet in order to focus, a factory with loud machines is likely not your best bet; even if you do have your own office. Don’t try to convince yourself that you’ll be able to just deal with it. There are plenty of options out there for everyone, no need to get caught up in a scarcity mindset.

7. Does your lifestyle require a certain type of flexibility?

If you have regular doctor appointments or would strongly prefer to be able to be home with your kids more often than not, a job that is partially or entirely remote is a good choice. If you have a very busy schedule and want to be able to go straight from one place to another, (such as from work to the gym to your piano lessons) you likely want one with a lenient dress code so you don’t have to change in between. If you travel a lot, freelance or brand ambassador work may be your answer.

8. Are there any tasks you specifically want or don’t want to perform?

Even if you like your job for the most part, if there are certain things you dread, you likely won’t appreciate it over the long haul. List out all of the things you can’t envision yourself doing and be sure to choose positions where those things are not a requirement. If there are things that you really want to do because maybe you have never had the chance in the past, search specifically for those types of roles.

 

If you are in search of a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help you find your future! Check out our newest available positions here.

How to Have a Productive Mindset and Be Efficient

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No matter what day it is, we all seem to have an infinite list of things to do in both our work and our personal lives. With multiple spinning plates that leave us with divided attention, it can be quite a challenge to focus and to decide what to prioritize. When it comes to our careers, it is imperative to be efficient with our time so that we are consistently getting our projects done and producing quality work. Here are 7 suggestions you can use to develop a productive mindset and set the foundation for productive days in the workplace.

1. Know What Motivates You

It is nearly impossible to meet a deadline or achieve a goal if you are unmotivated. While not every project or assignment will be your favorite, it is still possible to stay motivated while doing them. In this case, it is mostly a matter of mindset.  Ask yourself, “What is driving me to succeed?” It could be:

  • Building your portfolio
  • Working towards a promotion
  • The impact you’re having
  • Feeling accomplished when you cross something off of your list

Some days you will inevitably be more motivated than others. Maybe when it comes to certain projects, the motivation will be to get it done so that you can move on and hone in on an assignment or daily undertaking that you do enjoy. The takeaway is: you just have to find something to be motivated by.

2. Focus on One Thing at a Time

When you multitask, you will notice that you get fewer things done throughout the day and that the things you do get done are not as top tier as they would be if you did one task at a time. Single tasking results in higher quality work and is less stressful. If your mind is in too many places at once, what tends to happen is that you will get a portion of several things done, but not actually complete anything. This will leave you wondering where all of your time went. Avoid spreading yourself too thin by focusing on one task before moving on to the next.

3. Choose the Three Most Important Things

If you are a person who wears multiple hats within your organization or have a position that is multifaceted, starting your day knowing what the three most crucial things to get done are is going to be a game changer. It can be easy to get into the routine of doing the same thing every day, like beginning by responding to all of your emails or checking the company social media platforms. However, nothing feels better than knowing that you are only halfway through your day and have already completed the three most crucial tasks. If you get into the habit of starting your day with the most important things, you will know that you are on track to complete projects on time.

4. Just Do Something

There will be days where there is nothing particularly pressing to work on or that you are working on all things of equal importance. Don’t waste a block of time obsessing about how to be most efficient or what order you’re going to do things in. Choose something and roll with it. This way you won’t lose any time and you’ll notice that you’ve built momentum and one thing will lead to another. There is limited time in your work day, don’t waste it by overthinking what you “should” be doing.

5. Know Your Work Style

Everyone is going to have a different style of working in which they thrive. Some people do better focusing on one project in large blocks of time; others have to switch what they are doing every so often. There is no “right” way per say, the only right way is to do it in the way that is most effective for you. In general, we as humans can only be productive for short bursts of time; so every hour or so, take a few minutes to stand up, stretch, get water, or just take your eyes off of what you’re doing for a few minutes.

6. Be ok with Schedule and Plan Changes

Meetings are going to get canceled, people are going to call-in, unexpected issues are going to come up. As frustrating as this can be, it is inevitable no matter where your work or what field you’re in. You likely have a multitude of projects you’re working on at once, if something gets cancelled, use that extra time to either plan or get ahead on another assignment. This can actually end up really working in your favor if you use that extra time wisely.

7. Set a Stop Time

It can be really tempting to want to power through a project and then before you know it, it’s 7 pm and you are still in the office or on-site. It actually takes discipline to be able to put something away for the day and leave the rest for another time. If you make a habit of not stopping until something is thoroughly complete, you will eventually lead yourself to burn out. Whether it’s a time in the day or a certain point in the project, commit to being done at some point so you can recover and start again the next day with enough motivation and energy.

 

If you are in search of a new job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out all of our newest listings on our career page.

How to Determine a Company’s Culture

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Before accepting a job at any company, it’s a good idea to gage what the ambience of working there will be like. Especially if you would like it to be a long-term position that helps you grow in your career, you want to ensure that it will be an environment where you fit in well and feel confident that you can thrive. Employees today list company culture as one of their top values. They know that even if they are compensated well, if they aren’t comfortable in the environment or with the people they are working with, it is unlikely to last long.

If you flat out ask a hiring manger or recruiter what a company culture is like, they will likely just tell you want you want to hear. Of course, when they are in need of more employees and know that you are a good candidate, they’ll say whatever they have to in order to keep you. That is why you as a job seeker can (and should) ask discreet questions and pay attention to subtle signs that help you gain a better perspective on what a company’s culture is truly like. Here are some suggestions:

 

1. Show up Early to an Interview and Observe

Instead of looking through your materials or going over what you plan to say in your head, pay attention to how the employees are interacting. Did the receptionist greet you? Are the employees conversing with one another? Is the office atmosphere quiet because everyone is working independently? Notice things like the dress code and how the office is decorated. This can be a good indicator of if it is a place you would enjoy working.

Whatever you take note of in the office; it is up to you to decide if you truly envision yourself working there. Everyone is going to have a different preference for what type of company will be a good fit for them. Gaging a culture begins from the moment you walk in the door.

2. Ask: “How long have you been with the company?”

This doesn’t just go for the person interviewing you, ask as many people as you can. If everyone you speak with has had a short tenure with the company, you need to ask more questions, such as, ‘how long have the longest employees worked here.” In the chance that the company is new, this can be ok. However, if it’s an established company, this is likely a sign that a company needs improvement. Maybe people are expected to work too much or that they would benefit from changing management.

3. Ask: “Does anyone here ever transfer departments?”

If you’ve ever been in a position where you enjoyed your company, just not your department, but were denied every opportunity to make a lateral move; it can be tempting to overtly ask if transfers are allowed. Most of the time, companies claim that they have plenty of flexibility and career growth, but often when the time comes, they choose to keep you stagnant for their own benefit. There’s nothing that will tell you more than specific examples. If they introduce you to someone who has made a lateral move, even better. 

4. Ask about Lunch Breaks

While you don’t have to ask specific questions about lunch, get an idea of how most employees spend their breaks. If you find out that everyone takes lunch at their desk, it could mean that employees are too overworked to disengage- even just for half an hour. It could also imply that the majority of people who work there are introverted and that it isn’t an office with a lot of interaction. While some people may prefer this, others may rather work for a company with strong social connections and a lot of team work. Depending on your preference, this can tell you a lot.

5. Review the Company on Multiple Platforms

This can happen before or after you go in for an interview. Look at employee review sites such as Glassdoor to see how internal employees rate the company. Where are their strengths and where are they falling short?  Also, LinkedIn to see employee profiles. Take note of how long several of them have been working for the company and what they list as their interests and job history. This way you can infer whether or not it is a pleasant place to work and see if you have anything in common with current employees.

6. Ask about Internal Career Paths

Just like everything else, ask for specific examples of where someone started, where they are now, and what it took for them to get there. How long were they with the company before they got their first promotion? How did they get the promotion, were they offered it or did they have to apply for it? Asking the right questions here is important because you don’t want them to give you a generic answer. If professional growth is important to you, it’s important that you find a company that not only sees your value, but also wants to see you expand.

When searching for your next best opportunity, you’ll want to make sure that a company matches your expectations. The best way to ensure this happens is with observation, research, and asking the right questions.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our latest opportunities here.

 

3 Ways to Find the Perfect Job for You

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Right now there are so many different job opportunities available. Whether you’re a recent graduate, returning to the workforce after a hiatus, or looking to explore a new career path, it can be overwhelming and a challenge to know where to even begin.
While there is technically no such thing as perfect, it is important that you find a job that you enjoy in a place that you know you can thrive. Too many people get caught up in applying to a bunch of places and then accepting the first offer that comes their way. But by finding the ideal place and position for you, you will have less stress, be able to explore your interests, and have a sense of meaning when you go to work every day. Here are three methods you can use to help discover the perfect job for you.

List out both your Interests and your Skills

Your interests will give you a good idea of places that you would enjoy and your skills will help you determine the types of roles you are qualified for. Search for places that ideally combine the two and pursue them. Working at such places will give you the opportunity to learn more in your areas of interest and begin to make them your areas of expertise.

 Determine the Industries you’d like to be part of

It can be something entirely different than you have ever done before. What industries do you enjoy reading about? What are some of your favorite products? What is something that you have always wanted to try, but haven’t yet? Don’t be intimidated to start at the bottom and try something you have never done before. Everyone starts somewhere and this could just end up being a long-term career for you.

Identify Companies you would want to work for

Maybe it’s not even a specific position. It could be that you have always had an interest in a specific company because of what they stand for or because of memories you have in relation to the company. If you have heard that there is a local or remote company that treats their employees well and pays a good salary, that could be a place to apply to as well. List out several that you take an interest in and go to their website and see what positions they are hiring for. If there is an entry-level position or something you see that you qualify for, submit your application.

If you are currently looking for a new job, check out our latest job opportunities here.

Top 7 Transferrable Qualities Employers Look for in Candidates

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Regardless of the company, position, or pay rate; there are certain qualities that every employer looks for in the hiring process as well as when someone is on-boarded. Technical skills will get you recognized right away, but hiring managers know that soft skills have a big influence on the environment of a workplace and how it runs. If you are a contingent employee or have recently been hired by a company with a probation period, demonstrating these qualities are sure to make your employer consider you for a permanent position on their team. Developing these 7 qualities will help you excel in your career no matter what path you decide to go down.

 

1. Dependability

Although this list is in no particular order, there is a reason that dependability is at the top. No matter who your employer is, or what industry you’re in, dependability is inarguably the most important attribute a candidate and/or employee can have. In order for a company to be successful, work needs to get done and get done in a timely manner. Being a person that your manager and colleagues can count on to show up on time, deliver, drive results, and keep your word will make you a highly respected member of your organization. Make sure to include this trait on your résumé, discuss it during your interview, and follow through while on the job.

2. Communication Skills

Communication is important to both the employer and the employee. In order to run a smooth operation, everybody must be on the same page. Effective communication is important from all angles: verbal, physical, and written. There are many different areas to cover when it comes to communication. Verbally this means communicating your needs and expectations, clarification if you or someone else doesn’t understand something, and letting those around you know if you are going to be in at a different time than usual or out of the office on a specific day. Physically, this could mean having good posture and looking someone in the eyes when they are speaking to you. In a more manual labor based environment it could mean to let your team know if you moved equipment or to practice proper signaling protocols when on something like an assembly line. When it comes to emails or instant messages, be sure to be thorough with your questions and explanations and always double check for spelling and grammatical errors.

 

3. Work Ethic

To have good work ethic is to set your own standard of excellence. This is all-encompassing and goes for everything from how you dress to using your time wisely. It begins with being on time to your shift and ensuring that you are dressed appropriately. Depending on the position, this could mean being dressed crisp and professionally or wearing clothes that make it easy to maneuver heavy objects. It also goes for how you speak and interact with the people around you. Essentially, it means to maintain balance in every area. You can ensure you do these things by taking care of yourself. Eating proper nutrition, getting enough sleep, and giving yourself permission to recharge when you need to.

 

4. Problem-Solving Skills

There’s nothing that shows a manager more initiative than finding solutions to issues that arise before going to them about it. It’s important that you are able to make your own decisions as this shows a level of expertise in your area. Having the ability to handle issues in a positive manner will make you a valuable asset to any team as problems arise in every workplace across all industries. It will show that you are a leader despite what position you’re in and demonstrates a number of competencies including resilience, critical thinking, and resolve.

 

5. Teamwork

Not every position requires collaboration, but no matter what job you have, you will be working with others in some capacity. Whether that’s taking direction from a manager, having conference calls with other members of the company, or working on your part of a project before passing it on to someone else, everyone must have a common goal and the company’s best interest in mind. Like the quote goes, “one team, one dream”; hiring managers want to bring on people who are agreeable. List this as a skill on your résumé, and then give specific examples on your cover letter and in your interview.

 

6. Open-Mindedness

Especially when you’re new to a company, even in a similar position, there will be systems and procedures they do differently than your previous company. A willingness to try things, to see other people’s perspectives, and to be adaptable shows that you will be a pleasant person to work with. Considering that environments change and evolve on a regular basis, showing open-mindedness will give your employer the confidence that you will leave your comfort zone when the time calls for it.

 

7. Self-Management

In today’s workforce, culture and environment are everything. Despite how good the pay is or how well-known and prestigious the company is, people want to know that they are walking into a place they can feel comfortable. That means it is each person’s individual responsibility to have control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions. This contributes to the overall success of a workplace, because it results in a harmonious atmosphere and higher productivity levels. Each person will have their own style of self-management and personal responsibility; therefore it is important to know what works for you in a variety of situations that may arise.

Each of these traits is something that you will want to demonstrate from the beginning, starting with your cover letter and résumé, discussing it in your interview, and then demonstrating your abilities throughout your time at a company. Being able to make these qualities a part of your personal brand, is sure to lead you to success in your career.

If you are looking for a new job, be sure to check out our newest opportunities here.

How to Expand Your Professional Network

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Whether or not you’re currently in search of a new position or career, it is always a good idea to continuously be growing your network. You just never know when the time will come that you are in need of a change and if you keep your circle big, hopefully sometime down the line you are able to put someone else in contact with the right people as well.

When most people hear the term “networking”, they envision a cocktail party that comprises of hustlers handing out their business cards wondering who they can meet that will skyrocket them to the top. While that is definitely one of the better known ways to network, there are many other ways to meet and develop business and personal relationships with people both in-person and virtually.

Here are 5 ideas for expanding your network:

  1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

This one sounds obvious, but the majority of people use social networking platforms solely as a way of staying in touch with long-distance family members or old friends from high school and college. If you use your social media as a way of growing your personal brand, it can be an incredibly useful tool. Get involved in industry related groups and forums, post or share links about industry related topics on your page, comment and engage on posts relevant to your field or interests. This will give you a ton of credibility and you’ll start to be seen as a go-to person for job/industry knowledge. Networking isn’t just about asking, it’s also about giving.

In the case that you are attending an event such as a convention or trade show, reach out to others who are attending and get to know some of them before the day of. If you prefer not to mix business with personal, you can always set up a separate account specifically for networking.

  1. MAKE A LIST

Even if you don’t have your own business, you should still have an email list. Begin with listing out everyone that you know professionally from college, internships, past jobs, past events, etc. Include their email and where they live. Then expand to friends of friends. Keep adding to your list every time you make a connection and be sure to keep in touch with each person from time to time. This can look like a phone call or text, an email, or a direct message on social media. Staying on people’s radar is key; don’t just create the list and then ditch it. Networking is equally about being seen and keeping people in mind.

  1. SPEND TIME IN THE RIGHT SOCIAL SPOTS

Ask yourself, “If I wanted to run into more people in my industry, where would they be spending time?” What coffee shop do they have regular meetings? What bar do they have company happy hours once per month? If there is a certain industry professional you want to meet who regularly hosts or attends specific events, make it a point to be there. And then, be sure you introduce yourself and engage in meaningful conversation. The point of attending these events is to get to know people and for them to get to know you. Be sure you make yourself known by being friendly and cordial, and having something valuable to bring to the table.

  1. PERFORM GOOD NETWORKING DEEDS

In the long term, people are going to remember the kind things you did for them. A few times per week or per month, choose a few people and do something to benefit their personal brand. Endorse them on LinkedIn, leave their company a good review on Yelp, connect two people you know, recommend them to the write people. There is an endless list of ways you can make a professional, kind gesture for someone. People will remember when you did this and will be glad to return the favor.

  1. Consider Volunteering

When you put yourself out there, you just never know who you’re going to meet. And, depending on what type of volunteering you are doing, you may even have a chance to show people some of your skills and work ethic. Opportunities often come from being in the right place at the right time, so the more you make an effort to be involved, the higher your chances are of finding something. People will also remember your assistance and will think of you when an opportunity becomes available.

Whoever you meet, be sure to add them to your contact list.

As you can see, there are many different paths you can take to growing your network. Remember, growing a network takes time, so be patient as you’re expanding.

If you are currently in search of a new job, be sure to check out our newest postings here.

How to Have a Successful In-Person Interview

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When looking for a new job, hearing back from a company that wants to interview you can be quite the confidence booster. Clearly you nailed your résumé and cover letter, now the final step is to make the best impression you possibly can on the hiring manager to show that you are the right candidate for the position. This can feel intimidating as it puts a lot of pressure on you to do well. Luckily, there are techniques you can put to use to make your interview as successful as possible.

Dress to Fit the Culture

You are probably used to hearing the phrase “dress to impress” when it comes to an interview. While that concept still rings true, it doesn’t have the same meaning it once did. A few decades ago, nearly all companies had a professional dress code as they wanted to be seen as polished and prestigious. In today’s world, many companies take pride in their more casual and laid back atmosphere. When you show up to an interview, it’s important that you demonstrate your understanding of their culture by showing up in attire that matches their company values. Gone are the days of showing up to every interview in a business suit. As you’re dressing to impress, keep the aesthetic of their brand in mind. If you’re not sure what to wear, business casual is always a safe bet.

Arrive Early

When I was in college, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was, “the secret to not being late is to be early”. I’ll seriously never forget that. When leaving for an interview, it’s best to leave around 20 minutes earlier than you need to. This way, in the case you get stuck behind an accident, caught in unexpected traffic, or accidentally make a wrong turn, you will be able to make up for the lost time without becoming stressed out. The stress of possibly not being on time will only put you in a negative headspace which could affect your performance during the interview.

Being early also makes you look together and well-prepared. If you arrive early, you will be able to observe the office/site a bit and gage the dynamic among future colleagues. You will also likely get to meet more people and will have the time to fill out paperwork if need be, without cutting into actual interview time.

 

Be Cordial

This begins before you even arrive at the office. Be sure that you greet everyone; including the person at the door, people in the elevator, and the people you pass on the way to the interview room. You never know who you’re talking to or what connection the people you encounter have to the person interviewing you. The interactions you have prior to the interview can make or break the entire process. Remember, the interview starts before you even say anything.

 

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Communication extends beyond just the things you say. Eye contact, posture, and the gestures you make will all make you appear both confident and refined. The interviewer wants to see someone with self-pride and eagerness for the position. That is why it is essential that you present yourself as credible without coming off as too uptight. When in the interview, be sure you are facing the person you are speaking with, are sitting tall, and that your facial expressions emanate that of someone who is engaged in the conversation. Also, don’t forget to have a firm handshake.

 

Come Prepared

There are many different components to this. Even though you know they already have your résumé, be sure to bring at least two extra copies in case they ask for another one to look over during the interview. Also, bring your portfolio of past work and a notebook to write down key information that they may tell you during the interview. This will make you stand out, as not many interviewees’ do this. Additionally, do your research on the company prior to the interview. Know who the executives are and what the company does outside of (what would be) your department. Keep in mind – there is no such thing is being over prepared, especially not for a position that you really want.

Ask Questions

If the person interviewing you says something that you don’t quite understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or a little more detail. This shows that you are interested and will make the conversation more of a dialogue. At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions; have at least a few questions you’re prepared to ask them. Ideally, these would be questions outside of when your start date would be or when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask a question about the company that isn’t stated on the website or something about the company culture. The company wants to hire someone who will be invested in them and their mission. Having questions at the end of the interview will indicate just that.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our opportunities here.

 

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